Observation: Minor injuries that do not cause significant bleeding or damage to the spleen may be treated with observation. This involves monitoring the patient's vital signs, blood counts, and abdominal symptoms.
Non-operative management: Some patients with more severe injuries may be candidates for non-operative management, which includes:
- Bed rest
- Close monitoring
- Blood transfusions to replace any lost blood volume
Surgery: If the spleen is severely damaged or bleeding actively, surgery may be necessary. Surgical options include:
- Splenectomy (removal of the spleen)
- Splenorrhaphy (repair of the spleen)
- Partial splenectomy (removal of a portion of the spleen)
In cases of massive bleeding or life-threatening injuries, emergency surgery may be required to control the bleeding and stabilize the patient.
After treatment, patients may require follow-up care to monitor for complications and ensure proper healing. In some cases, long-term monitoring may be necessary to assess for any potential functional problems or infections related to the spleen injury.